History & Legend - Palace on Wheels

Going back in time, the rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India travelled by these luxurious coaches. However post Independence, these coaches were parked and remained in this state for almost a century, till 1981-82. Finally, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and The Indian Railways together launched a special heritage tourist train for providing a unique memorable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan.

The name Palace on Wheels is derived from it's royal background . Eventually, The State Government along with the railway department brought about several infrastructural changes in the many coaches, keeping it's aesthetics alive, to match-up to the interiors of the royal state of Rajasthan. The train was therefore later replaced by the air-conditioned broad gauges, which has 4 saloons, 2 restaurants cum kitchen cars, one Bar cum Lounge and 4 service Cars. Attached bath and shower are provided with the cabins of each saloon. The train also contains a lounge, library and bar,well equipped with an extremely co-operative staff

Palace on Wheels has even earned reputate, internationally for its out-of-the-world travel experience. Winner of the PATA gold award in 1987, the train is touted as one of the ten best luxurious rail journeys in the world. It has become famous in the media including BBC, MTV, National Geographic, Zee TV and even MDR of Germany amongst many others.

Luxury and Opulence its all about

Yes it's true! On the Palace on Wheels your journey is full of exuberance and a luxurious feeling. A perfect chance to relive the era when kings and queens ruled, when royalty spelt magic. When charm and mysticism was in the air. The train is completely self- sufficient and is fully air-conditioned, comprising of 14 deluxe saloons. Especially facilitated for you with all the modern amenities.You would find the royal past haunting you in the historical coaches. The two dining cars are decked up in true Rajasthani style and each saloon has personal attendants or khidmatgars, for your service. The Palace on Wheels is composed of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons that offer international level world-class amenities to enhance the comfort of your travel. The coaches are made up of 104 passenger berths in double bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, attached toilet, running hot and cold water and a shower.

The coaches have been named after the former Rajput states,keeping in mind the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Every saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge where,hot and cold beverages are served throughout the day along with refreshments and a place to relax and unwind.

The two dining cars of the train have been aptly named "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" keeping in mind it's royal legacy.A mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental amidst delicious traditional Rajasthani food is served at these restaurants.The Bar at the Palace on Wheels has an extremely impressive wine list.The bar is well stocked with the finest of Scotch and Indian malt whiskies and liquors, wines, rums and vodkas. Each coach is also stocked with a good collection of books to fill your free time

The Palace on Wheels is renovated at regular intervals. The décor in the saloons and bar lounge keeps changing, keeping in mind, the contemporary yet traditional look. Each saloon lounge is well equipped with a coloured television and a CD player. Soon to be installed is a satellite phone which will enable you to communicate anywhere in the world from the train.. Each saloon is different but the overall ambience of the décor of the saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity and harmony.

As you leave far behind the hustle-bustle of your life and enter into a realm of sheer luxury and comfort, you'll realize why a Palace on Wheels tour is one-of-a-kind and we at................. transcend you to almost another world with this royal ride on The Palace on Wheels.